The elegant wedding venues and expert wedding tips at L.A. Banquets have received a great deal of recent attention from Brides.com. As the website that complements “Brides” magazine, Brides.com reaches a wide international audience of brides and wedding planners. Expert tips and ideas for beautiful weddings are the focus of Brides.com’s features, and prominent quotes from L.A. Banquets’ Creative Director, Ani Keshishian, take center stage in many Brides.com articles. Don’t miss these excellent pieces containing helpful, creative tricks and tips on how to plan your dream wedding! In case you missed them, here's a recap of the Brides.com 2016 posts featuring L.A. Banquets. Magazine-Worthy Weddings “6 Ways to Get a Magazine-Worthy Wedding” is the Brides.com feature article for March 20th written by Brides.com’s Elizabeth Mitchell. The advice L.A. Banquets’ Keshishian provides for brides wishing to see their dream wedding in the pages of a magazine is about developing a strong voice and theme. She emphasizes that a signature statement will create a setting that tells a story, and pictures worth a million words are what capture the attention of bridal magazines. Fun Wedding Ideas The fun article, “7 Things Guests Go Bananas for at Weddings,” is a March 21 post with unique ideas for weddings that guests love. Photo booths, dessert trucks and on-site child care are among the excellent ideas that add something special to the wedding experience. L.A. Banquet’s Creative Director, Ani Keshishian, recommends the unusual addition of a sushi station as a fun appetizer for guests and to add creative energy to the wedding menu. Settings for Outdoor Weddings On April 6, the topic of outdoor weddings is explored in the Brides.com’s article, “How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Season for You.” Mitchell covers diverse topics about considerations for outdoor weddings, including weather and outdoor activities. L.A. Banquets’ Keshishian adds tips for capturing the bride’s vision of the wedding and choosing an outdoor venue that will attract and appeal to the couple’s most important guests and family members while also providing a beautiful, comfortable setting. Photo-Ready Lighting The April 11th Brides.com article, “5 Things All Instagram-Worthy Wedding Venues Have in Common,” Mitchell includes a quote from Keshishian about venue lighting, which is something L.A. Banquets has particular expertise in creating. Keshishian explained how quality lighting can provide the best opportunity for photographs that receive active engagement on social media. Wedding and reception venues that offer natural lighting or mood-enhancing ambient lighting create the perfect environment for guests to capture candid photos of the wedding events. Wedding Flowers on a Budget For the April 19 post, “8 Ways to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck With Wedding Flowers,” Mitchell highlights Keshishian’s quotes about alternating roses with baby’s breath as a fashionable way to decorate tables on a budget. As a clever approach by a savvy bride, a venue that is awash in white flowers - many of them inexpensive baby’s breath - provides savings without sacrificing high-end elegance. Mixing high with low to accommodate the bride and groom’s budget is a tip that L.A. Banquets’ Keshishian shared with Brides.com. Wedding Videographer Alternatives Check out these “5 Unique Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Videographer” posted April 20th on Brides.com Nowadays, video is so ubiqutious that is seems impossible that a memorable event such as a wedding would go without. Of course a traditional videographer can be hired, but there are so many ways to capture video that it makes sense to use one of these alternative methods, such as using GoPros or Instagram, in place of, or in addition to, the traditional video. You can even add the different types of footage together for a final result that shows your big day from multiple perspectives. L.A. Banquets looks forward to a continued relationship with Brides.com and the opportunity to provide more creative wedding tips for their excellent feature articles. L.A. Banquets’ spectacular wedding facilities include seven elegant banquet halls where brides and grooms have enjoyed thousands of unique, creative weddings and receptions.
After planning and coordinating stunning weddings for other happy couples, it should come as no surprise that Mrs. Rubina Zargaryan of Memorable Moments, LLC. was beyond excited to take a shot at her own special day. She and her husband Raffi finally said their vows on October 25 at Le Foyer Ballroom, one of L.A. Banquet's seven wedding venues in Los Angeles. With a ceremony that was steeped in rich Armenian traditions, this wedding unfolded into an event that all attendees will remember for the rest of their lives. The Couple Rubina and Raffi met at Woodbury University where they were both working toward their MBAs. After three years of being with one another, the happy couple decided that they wanted to take a long walk through the campus and look back at how far their relationship had come. Little did Rubina know, Raffi had other plans. Raffi set the scene with flowers and candles and asked for Rubina's hand in marriage. It was at this point that Rubina realized she was going to be a bride herself and get a fresh look at the wedding planning process. Time to Get Planning In addition to basic wedding planning tasks such as trying on dresses and finding the perfect wedding venue in Los Angeles, Rubina also wanted to inject some of their Armenian culture and traditions into the special day. The first thing that the couple needed to decide on was the inspiration for their wedding. They ended up choosing ivory, gray, and blush pink as their primary colors with a good amount of lace incorporated into the dress and the decorations. When it came time to choose a wedding venue, the couple decided on the Le Foyer Ballroom. Located in North Hollywood, this glamorous ballroom perfectly matched the blend of chic and elegant that the couple was looking for. It is also one of the larger banquet halls with enough room to comfortably fit 550 guests in an atmosphere that is unlike anything else in the area. With the color scheme, theme, and venue chosen, the couple was able to focus on the personal touches that would make their wedding stand out. As a wedding planner, Rubina knew exactly which vendors she enjoyed working with and was able to bypass some of the stress that other couples feel when they tackle these events on their own. Now that all of the minor details had been arranged and everything was in order, all that was left was the big day. The Day of the Wedding Just as the happy couple had planned, the day of the wedding was a blur of family, friends, and unforgettable Armenian traditions. It all started early in the afternoon when the groom's family arrived at the bride's home to ask her family for permission. Once these traditions were out of the way, it was time for both families to get ready for the wedding and the following ceremony. See more pictures of Rubina and Raffi's Wedding Here! Happily Ever After This experience gave Rubina a unique perspective on the wedding planning process and some insight on exactly what couples go through before, during, and after their big day. While planning her own wedding was no doubt an experience unlike anything else in the world, Rubina rose to the challenge as every piece fell into place. Raffi's and Rubina's wedding was the perfect start to a long and joyous marriage.
101 helpful tips for planning a luxurious wedding without breaking the bank.
By admin
February 8, 2016
One of the initial steps in wedding planning is to prepare a guest list, and this is because everything from the number of servings in the wedding cake to how large the church and wedding reception venue need to be are based on the number of guests who will be in attendance. While some people are focused on having a small, intimate affair, others have large families or may not feel comfortable only inviting a few of their closest friends. In some cases, parents of the bride and groom also want to invite their own guests to attend. If you are planning a large wedding, rest assured that the process is the same. You simply have to think on a larger scale. Choose the Right Wedding Venue When you are planning a large wedding, your options will undoubtedly include the finest and grandest wedding venues. While you may initially think about the high cost of expensive wedding venues, there are perks associated with them as well. Consider, for example, that many of the finest ballrooms in your area may already have elaborate décor, and you may have to spend very little to dress them up. In fact, in some cases, flowers, candles and table decorations may be all that are needed to set the stage for a gorgeous event. In addition, large wedding venues give you and your guests plenty of opportunities for different experiences. For example, there may be space for dining tables and catering tables. There may also be space for a photo booth, a DJ or a band stage, a dance floor and even a lounge area with couches that are brought in or that the facility provides. This can make the event much more of an affair than a small wedding, and it surely will be the talk of family and friends for years to come. Personalize Your Event While large wedding venues often are beautifully decorated and may require little effort on your part to dress them up, you may want to personalize your event in different ways. Some, for example, may hold true to family or cultural traditions, and with a big venue, there is ample space to create sections that provide unique and personal experiences for your guests. You may want to include a cash bar, a giving tree or other unique elements that show off your personal taste and style. From the traditional father-daughter dance and the tossing of the bouquet to throwing rice or blowing bubbles, you’ll have room for it all without worrying about “set changes” on your big day. Select a Diverse Range of Dishes and Beverages One of the challenges that many people have when planning a wedding is deciding which dishes and beverages to serve. With a smaller wedding, you may only need to serve one main entree and a few side dishes, or you may even only serve appetizers and drinks. There simply is not a need to serve more than this and it may not even be an option from your caterer to accommodate several entrees with a smaller guest list. Also, with a big wedding, comes more diversity and it is much more difficult to accommodate everyone who has special dietary or cultural need with regard to food. It also may make it more likely that some of your guests will not find something being served that they like to eat. With a larger number of wedding guests, your caterer can easily serve several main dishes as well as numerous sides and appetizers. Choosing family style service is a great option for ensuring that that more of the guests' unique needs and preferences are met. While it may not be possible to please everyone, there is a better chance that you will please most when you serve a wider range of dishes and beverages. Think About Photo Opportunities A wedding is an event to remember, and you may want to enjoy looking back on the fond memories made at your wedding for years or even decades to come. When guest lists include your friends, neighbors, work colleagues, boss, college roommate and any number of other people, you have a tremendous opportunity for photos, but with so many guests it’s easy to miss some of them. To ensure that you have a memory find ways to include opportunities for guests to be documented. This can be as simple as having several photographers or a combination of photographers, videographers, photo-booths, and especially a specific wedding hashtag for social media postings on Instagram and the like. While a large wedding may be more costly, keep in mind that a marriage is a special event that is worthy of bringing together all of those who are nearest and dearest to you, your family and your spouse-to-be. It can be a challenge to plan, but you will find that there are far more possibilities available to you when you do have a larger venue to work with and in the end, the costs can balance out.
By admin
January 10, 2016
In a time when people are constantly taking pictures of everything they do, see, and eat, making special arrangements to have your photo taken is certainly out of the ordinary. But becoming engaged isn’t something you do every day, either. Why set aside time and get all primped to have engagement photos taken? There are several reasons. The first is so that you have a newspaper-worthy picture to submit with your engagement announcement. The second is so that you have a great shot to use on your wedding website or your save-the-dates. The third is so you can test out the photographer you’ve chosen to take the pictures on your wedding day. And the fourth is, well, because it’s fun! Follow the tips below to make sure your engagement photos are truly memorable. Choosing the Photographer A picture is worth a thousand words, and a good photographer is going to cost the equivalent. But skimping on this wedding expense is probably the one regret you’ll have. The time leading up to your wedding is going to speed by, and the wedding day itself is going to be over before you know it. What you’ll have left are beautiful memories and, we hope, beautiful photographs that capture every golden moment and the small, precious details that tend to fade with the years. There’s no better advice than to hire a professional who specializes in wedding photography. This may be your first time at the altar, but it shouldn’t be the first time for your photographer. He or she will have good cameras and good lighting, and will know how to get the right poses and compositions without being intrusive. Also, unlike a friend who may have volunteered for the job, a professional photographer won’t be sidetracked by trying to be a guest as well. Selecting a wedding photographer early — and you have to anyway, because the good ones book up well in advance — gives you the opportunity to have him or her do your engagement photos first. This gives the photographer a chance to know you as a couple and to experiment with getting your best angles and learning what will be most effective on your wedding day. Deciding What Kind of Engagement Photos You Want Indoors in a studio or outdoors in a natural setting? Formal or casual? You’ve seen engagement photos with a couple canoodling in a romantic location like water’s edge at sunset, or poised in silhouette against a stark industrial background, or in the park with their pets, or dressed in costume and acting out dramatic scenarios, or just grinning and holding signs that say things like “He asked. She said yes.” You’ve seen photos with a couple so far in the distance that you can’t recognize them, and shot in such close-up that every freckle is visible. Special photographic effects are also popular for engagement photos: everything from sepia to hyper-saturated color. Some look like high-fashion layouts, some look like scenes from a movie, and some look like candids taken with a selfie-stick. Many couples coordinate their engagement photo style with their beautiful wedding venue. Pictures tell a story. Just make sure it’s your story, and not something that’s going to feel artificial when you look back at the photos later. If you’d never go hang-gliding in your life, for instance, you may not want to have your engagement photos taken to look as if you’re about to jump off a mountain top… regardless of how apt you may feel the analogy is. Whatever style you opt for, remember that you’ll want one “standard” pose if you’ll be submitting a photo to a newspaper or other publication. This means a photo where your heads are close together, you’re looking at the camera, neither of you is wearing a hat, and there’s no distracting image behind you. Choosing What to Wear The style and location of your engagement photo session is going to dictate your wardrobe, but regardless, be wary of wearing prints or fad clothing that’s too of the moment. (Many ‘80s brides regret those shoulder pads!) Your clothes should coordinate with each other’s as far as appropriateness for the location, and should be in complementary hues as well as be equally subtle or bright. Unless you’re going for a comic effect, matchy-matchy is usually too much of a good thing. Remember that in close-ups your neckline is the most important part of your outfit, and don’t wear blingy jewelry that will detract from your own radiant smile. Scheduling the Photo Session You’ll want to take engagement photos as soon as you’ve selected a photographer. This is particularly important if you intend to send them to the local paper, your alumni magazine, or other publications, because there can be a several month lag between submission and seeing your announcement in print. Taking them as soon as you can is also necessary if you’re going to use them as part of your save-the-dates; you’ll want enough time to let your photographer perform his or her magic in perfecting them (oh, the joy of Photoshop), and then to print up your announcements and send them out so everyone has enough advance notice to join you on the big day. Newly engaged? Contact LA Banquets today to find your venue and set the tone for your big day.
By admin
October 21, 2015
Indian weddings are wondrous affairs steeped in tradition and filled with ritual and celebration. With their many festivities over several days, it can be daunting to find a location that accommodates all of an Indian wedding’s gatherings and ceremonies. With its array of superb facilities, L.A. Banquets is the perfect answer. We’ve helped many couples celebrate their unions in Indian tradition. What’s more, from sangeet to mehndi to mandap and beyond, we know how to plan wonderful events that are affordable without sacrificing style. You’re welcome to choose from one of our preferred Indian caterers, or bring in your own favorite. Either way, skilled Anoush staff will be attentive, whether tray-passing, presiding at bountiful buffets, or presenting dinner with fine plated service or family-style. Our accomplished bartenders will delight with signature cocktails or mocktails as you wish. We offer a beautiful variety of ballrooms and smaller spaces for every step of your Indian wedding. For the Smaller Gatherings The Legacy Lounge in Glendale is an ideal space for sangeet or mehndi. Classic sophistication is the keynote, with seating for up to 64 guests at square tables designed for easy conversation. To highlight its intimate size, careful attention has been paid to every detail, with graceful sconces providing gentle lighting, and a burnished wood floor that complements any color scheme you choose for linens and flowers. There’s even space for performance or musical entertainment. Le Foyer Lounge in North Hollywood offers lavish ornamental details, tiled stone walls, spectacular carved arches, and a gently bubbling fountain. Le Foyer Lounge accommodates up to 70 guests and can be arranged with round dining tables or one long table down the center of the room. The front of the room also offers space for a stage if you’d like. The Brandview Patio in Glendale is just the spot to take advantage of our wonderful Southern California weather for a traditional event or for a casual parting brunch or luncheon. This spacious open air deck accommodates up to 100 guests under the warm daytime sun. The space features comfortable lounge seating and even a fire feature to keep guests cozy. For the Larger Events The Glenoaks Ballroom in Glendale is extravagantly appointed with classic architecture, handcrafted woodwork, high ceilings, imported marble, mirrored walls, and a 60-foot crystal chandelier that will take your reception to the next level of elegance. With 4,500 square feet to accommodate up to 450 people, this sophisticated ballroom imparts the style of yesteryear from the moment your guests step into the red-carpeted entry. The Glenoaks’ open floor plan allows for your choice of seating options on both sides of the gleaming white dance floor, and the bridal party can take its place at the head of the room in front of a crystal-encrusted backdrop. The Glenoaks Ballroom offers a generous stage and, if you wish, the room can be customized with an alternate dance floor and your choice of materials to drape the walls to fit your design scheme. The Brandview Ballroom in downtown Glendale offers a sophisticated venue with 13,000 square feet, and can host up to 550 guests. Located in the historic art deco-inspired Huntley-Evans building, this premier banquet hall retains elegant stylistic details reminiscent of a bygone era but has been completely renovated for modern convenience. Your guests will enter via an amazing spiral staircase featuring a two-story crystal chandelier. The ballroom has Italian onyx chandeliers, breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sparkling white dance floor. The space is completely customizable with seating and dance floor arrangements to suit your wishes. The Brandview also features a beautifully outfitted suite for the bride and her party to use for dressing or touch-ups during the reception. The Le Foyer Ballroom in North Hollywood has 5,500 square feet and can accommodate up to 550 guests who will enter through a foyer of imported Italian marble that features a breathtaking 25-foot fountain. The venue can be arranged to suit your needs, and the ballroom’s 16 arches and beautiful chandelier make a beautiful backdrop for any photos. Once dinner has been served, our lighting options can instantly transform your formal reception into a lively dance fest. Le Foyer also offers full butler service in its fully appointed bridal suite. All of our locations offer state-of-the-art lighting, Wi-Fi, full audiovisual capabilities, and valet parking. Whichever venues you choose, you’ll have at your disposal a talented and thoughtful L.A. Banquets event planner who can help you coordinate your catering, decorating, and other planning needs for a truly memorable wedding celebration.
